Melissa Ruiz
Lake Jackson
Summary
Driven Dental Assistant successful at building relationships with patients and colleagues. Offers expertise in patient care and education to support optimal oral health outcomes. Attentive and prepared professional dedicated to practice growth and stability.
Multi-talented dental assistant with several years of expertise assisting with all areas of dental treatment. Committed to supporting administrative duties such as charting, records management and appointment setting while supporting dentists. Talented at closely monitoring patients during procedures to quickly address issues with pain or discomfort.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2005
2005
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Dental Assistant
Aspen Dental
Lake Jackson
09.2024 - 11.2025
- Assisted dentists during procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Managed patient scheduling and appointment coordination for a busy dental office.
- Prepared treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments and organizing supplies.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and improve efficiency.
- Trained new dental assistants on office protocols and best practices.
- Created dental x-rays using traditional and digital methods to help dentists detect tooth decay, cavities and other issues needing to be treated.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Adjusted dentures based on feedback from dental professionals or patients.
- Performed repairs, relines, and rebases for both complete and partial dentures.
Dental Assistant
Affordable Dentures & Implants
Lake Jackson
05.2022 - 12.2024
- Assisted in patient care and comfort during dental procedures.
- Prepared examination rooms with necessary tools and equipment.
- Maintained accurate patient records and updated medical histories.
- Scheduled appointments and managed patient flow efficiently.
- Collaborated with dentists to perform X-rays and diagnostic tests.
- Provided chair-side assistance during dental procedures, including passing instruments to the dentist and holding suction devices.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Maintained a neat, clean and organized environment throughout the office.
- Laid out dental instruments and equipment before procedures.
- Assisted in laboratory procedures such as mixing impression materials or pouring casts from impressions taken by dentists.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Took patient blood pressure, pulse and temperature and accurately recorded results in patient charts.
- Cleaned and polished removable dentures, wires and other appliances.
- Collaborated with dentists to ensure accurate fit and comfort for patients.
- Adjusted dentures based on feedback from dental professionals or patients.
- Performed repairs, relines, and rebases for both complete and partial dentures.
- Educated patients about how to use and care for dental appliances like retainers.
Front Desk Receptionist/Registered Dental Assistant
Lake Jackson Dental Care
Lake Jackson
10.2016 - 05.2022
- Greeted patients warmly and checked them in for appointments.
- Managed multi-line phone system and directed calls to appropriate staff.
- Scheduled appointments efficiently using dental practice management software.
- Maintained organized front desk area for a professional environment.
- Assisted patients with inquiries regarding services and procedures.
- Coordinated with dental staff to ensure smooth patient flow throughout the day.
- Processed payments and handled billing inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Assisted dentists during procedures by preparing instruments and materials.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care instructions.
- Sterilized dental tools and maintained a clean, organized workspace for safety.
- Monitored inventory levels of dental supplies and reordered when necessary.
- Sanitized equipment, cleaned treatment rooms and restocked supplies after each patient's treatment to maintain cleanliness and prepare for next patient.
- Applied sealants and protective coatings to teeth to protect enamel and prevent cavities.
- Fabricated provisional crowns, bleaching trays and custom impression trays from alginate impressions or stone casts when necessary.
Education
Homestead Sr High School
Homestead, FLSkills
- Patient care
- Digital radiography
- Dental software
- Appointment scheduling
- Sterilization techniques
- Customer relationship management
- Inventory management
- Treatment coordination
- Team collaboration
- Training and mentoring
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Impression taking
- Digital X-ray expertise
- Exam room setups
- Medical office administration
Languages
English
Professional
Timeline
Lead Dental Assistant
Aspen Dental
09.2024 - 11.2025
Dental Assistant
Affordable Dentures & Implants
05.2022 - 12.2024
Front Desk Receptionist/Registered Dental Assistant
Lake Jackson Dental Care
10.2016 - 05.2022
Homestead Sr High School